Yuka Saso, the first Filipino major golf tournament winner, said she got an extra boost from a message from Rory McIlroy before the fourth round of the 2021 US Women’s Open in San Francisco, California.

“Rory mentioned me on Instagram and said, ‘Get that trophy.’ And I did, so ‘Thank you, Rory,'” said 19-year-old Saso.

Former world No. 1 McIlroy took notice of Saso’s performance in the US Women’s Open when she stayed on top of the first half of the major but slipped to second in the third round.

“Great playing the last few days @yukasaso_official. Go finish it out today and get that trophy!” wrote the four-time major winner on Instagram.

According to the 2018 Asian Games gold medalist, McIlroy inspired her to pursue golf.

Saso triumphed over Japanese Nasa Hataoka in three playoff rounds in the US Women’s Open final for her first Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) title.

She tied with South Korea’s Inbee Park for the youngest winner of the tournament at 19 years old, 11 months, and 7 days.

Saso, a regular in the Japan LPGA circuit who has won two titles in her rookie year, later received a congratulatory tweet from McIlroy.

– Rappler.com